Juilliard School of Music was established in 1905 as the Institute of Musical Art to provide a way for America to rival the European conservatories half a world away. A century later, it remains one of the most prestigious music schools in the United States. The school, located in New York City, trains approximately 800 undergraduate and graduate students in art, dance, drama, and music. It is highly competitive. More than 2,000 applications were received in 2007 alone. According to its website, Juilliard works to recruit the most talented young performing artists from around the world For example, the orchestra has performed in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, France and Bermuda.
Prospective students wishing to contact the conservatory should use the online inquiry form located on the website.
The Juilliard School
60 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York, NY 10023-6588
212-799-5000
www.juilliard.edu/
Also located in the state of New York, Eastman School of Music in Rochester holds high standards in performance, scholarship, creativity, and teaching. This conservatory is a professional school within the University of Rochester. Proclaimed by "Newsweek" in 2008 as "the hottest music school in America," Eastman was established in 1921 by an industrialist and philanthropist named George Eastman. Eastman also founded the Eastman Kodak Company. Eastman offers programs for both undergraduate and graduate students; however, acceptance is limited, and the competition is stiff. An estimated 260 new students enroll from more than 2,000 applicants. Online applications can be submitted through Eastman's website.
Eastman School of Music
26 Gibbs St.
Rochester, NY 14604
585.274.1000
www.esm.rochester.edu/
Founded in 1865, Oberlin College's Conservatory of Music is the oldest operating conservatory in the United States. The prestigious school offers eight undergraduate majors and the opportunity for private study in 32 different areas. "The New York Times" has hailed Oberlin as having "produced some of the top names in contemporary music." Actor Rex Lee, "New York Times" bestseller James McBride, and Pulitzer prize-winning composer Christopher Rouse are all graduates of Oberlin. The school enrolls 615 students, most of them undergraduates. Many of these students participate in the double degree program, which combines pre-professional music training with a liberal arts education background as well. Students in this program may complete work for the bachelor of music program from the Oberlin conservatory while also fulfilling the requirements for a bachelor of arts degree from the College of Arts and Sciences. About 30 students are accepted per year. By allowing a dual course of study, Oberlin allows these students to broaden their options after graduation. Those interested in the double degree program must apply for admission to the college and conservatory separately. On campus, there are five concert halls and 150 practice rooms. Students have the option to use any one of the more than 1,500 high-quality musical instruments. Interested students are welcome to log on to the website for application information.
Oberlin College Conservatory of Music
39 W. College St.
Oberlin, OH 44074
440-775-8413
new.oberlin.edu/conservatory/